DEALING WITH WAX ISSUES IN GAS PLANTS

摘要

Wax deposition in gas plants is known to pose considerable trouble and challenges continuous operation. A general approach to solve the problem has not been stated since deposition mechanism and remedial strategies are not widely known. This paper presents the case of two different gas plants located in south Bolivia which reported wax deposition problems that led to severe equipment fouling and operational problems. The evaluation of the characteristics and consequences of the inlet gas wax content of both plants presented two opposite cases, where different strategies to manage wax are proposed. Additionally, some design features for new pieces of equipment are developed to mitigate operational problems associated to wax deposition.